Update address

Investors should make sure that their current address is updated with the mutual fund, bank or insurance company where they have made investments. If there is a change in address or contact information, it should be communicated to the financial institution immediately.

Most financial institutions mandate the provision of bank details when making the investmentinsurance proposal, so that the redemption or payment proceeds can be credited directly to the investor's bank account. The investor is required to keep the account information updated.

Registering on website

It is a good idea to get online access to investments by registering on the online portal of the the financial institution. This allows for easy access to investment information.

Finding out unclaimed amount details

Financial institutions are required to provide information about unclaimed amounts lying idle with them on their respective websites. This information can be accessed by entering a few simple details like PAN.

Process

Once the unclaimed amount is ascertained, the financial institution informs the investor of the steps to claim the proceeds. Investors are required to follow the procedure mentioned in order to access the funds.

Some regulators allow a certain number of years for investors to encash unclaimed proceeds, after which the amount is trans ferred to a consolidated fund for investor education.

Financial institutions consistently send reminders to investors who have unclaimed balances to their name.